Vijay factor to decide Trichy East candidature

Trichy: Election fever is yet to grip Tamil Nadu, but Trichy East assembly segment has shot into the limelight following reports that TVK founder and actor Vijay may contest from the seat. DMK, which won the seat in 2021, is likely to contest again though allies Congress and MNM are also eyeing the constituency where minorities comprise at least 35% of electorate. Trichy East comprises the city's landmarks including Rockfort hillock, Lourdes's church, and Gandhi market. With about 23 corporation wards, it is a small and densely populated constituency. Though IUML has not demanded the seat, party sources said they would not object if DMK insists on contesting. Congress is lobbying hard for the seat, which they contested unsuccessfully in 2016. "Winning prospects for us are high now as there is a sizeable minority vote bank. We have openly demanded that our high command seek Trichy East," a senior party functionary said.
MDMK, whose incumbent MP Durai Vaiko represents the segment as well as five others, is also eyeing the constituency. The party expects to contest in at least one favourable segment in Trichy parliamentary constituency. Meanwhile, incumbent MLA Inigo Irudayaraj's camp said the MLA, a Christian face of the party, has been continuing his activities in the constituency that he won In 2021 by a margin of 53,000 votes.DMK sources said the MLA donated Rs2,500 to Rs4,000 each to 2,103 students in his constituency in a year. However, since his relations with local ministers K N Nehru and Mahesh Poyyamozhi are believed to have have hit a rough patch, speculation is rife that Inigo may relocate to another seat, reportedly in south TN, for the 2026 election. The MLA's camp, however, refuted the claim. "I will abide by the instructions of the party high command. Will obey what CM instructs," the MLA told TOI.TVK sources said the party has almost confirmed Vijay's electoral debut in Trichy East, apart from a constituency in Chennai. Urban population, minority vote bank, small area to cover in campaigning, and sizeable youth population are being cited as favourable for TVK. Ironically, the actor launched his campaign from Marakkadai, Trichy East, in Sept 2025. "Trichy has accepted outsiders in the past too. So, we are confident that our leader will succeed here," a TVK functionary said. DMK sources said they may field a party candidate if the TVK founder contests in Trichy East.